Joseph Rises to Power
Genesis 41:41-57
Gen.41.41 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- פרעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- נתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- אתך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Gen.47:6 (verbal): Pharaoh again affirms Joseph's high office—language echoing appointment ('thou shalt be over my house' / 'over all the land of Egypt'), reinforcing the same elevation motif within Genesis.
- Ps.105:21-22 (verbal): The psalm retells the Joseph story: God 'made him lord of his house' and 'ruler'—a poetic reiteration of the theme and wording of Joseph's appointment in Egypt.
- Acts 7:9-10 (quotation): In Stephen's speech the New Testament summarizes Joseph's rise: God 'gave him favour and wisdom' and 'made him governor over Egypt'—a direct retelling/allusion to Genesis 41's account.
- Dan.2:48 (structural): Nebuchadnezzar appoints Daniel 'ruler over the whole province of Babylon' after interpreting dreams—parallel narrative structure of a foreign wise man elevated by the sovereign to rule a land.
- Exod.18:21 (thematic): Jethro's advice to appoint capable leaders to govern the people reflects the broader theme of delegating authority and establishing administrative officials, analogous to Pharaoh setting Joseph over Egypt.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Pharaoh said to Joseph, See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.
- And Pharaoh said to Joseph, See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.
Gen.41.42 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- פרעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- טבעתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- מעל: PREP
- ידו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילבש: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- בגדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- רבד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הזהב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- צוארו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- Esther 8:2 (verbal): The king removes his signet ring and gives it to another (Mordecai), a direct verbal and functional parallel to Pharaoh removing his ring and placing it on Joseph as a token of authority.
- Daniel 5:29 (verbal): Belshazzar/clothed Daniel with purple and put a chain of gold about his neck after elevating him—closely echoes the language of clothing and a gold collar/chain given to a newly promoted official.
- 1 Kings 1:39 (thematic): The anointing and public investiture of Solomon as king (ceremonial bestowal of royal status and symbols) parallels Genesis 41:42’s theme of formal transfer of power and insignia to a successor.
- Exodus 28:2 (structural): Instruction to make holy/glorious garments for Aaron (priestly investiture) parallels the structural motif of conferring office by clothing and special adornment, as when Joseph is clothed in fine garments.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and he clothed him in garments of fine linen, and he placed a gold chain on his neck.
- And Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and he clothed him in garments of fine linen, and he placed a gold chain upon his neck.
Gen.41.43 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירכב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- במרכבת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,construct
- המשנה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ויקראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לפניו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אברך: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- ונתון: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Gen.41.41-42 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same narrative: Pharaoh gives Joseph authority, a new name and signet ring, and places him over Egypt—same material context as v.43 (chariot, title, rule).
- Ps.105:20-22 (thematic): Psalm recounts Joseph’s rise—God’s purpose, Joseph made 'lord of his house' and 'ruler of all his substance'—a poetic retelling of the same exaltation and governance motif.
- Dan.2:48 (thematic): Nebuchadnezzar promotes Daniel, gives him gifts and sets him over the whole province—parallel motif of a foreign king elevating an interpreter to high office and granting authority.
- Dan.5:29 (verbal): After interpreting the king’s writing, Daniel is clothed with purple, given a gold chain, and proclaimed third ruler—echoes the honours, vesting, and rank conferred on Joseph.
- Acts 7:9-10 (allusion): Stephen’s speech summarizes Joseph’s story: God was with him, delivered him, and 'gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh' so that he became governor of Egypt—New Testament retelling/allusion to Joseph’s elevation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he had him ride in the second chariot that was his, and they called out before him, Bow the knee! and he set him over all the land of Egypt.
- And he had him ride in the second chariot that was his, and they called before him, Bow the knee! and he set him over all the land of Egypt.
Gen.41.44 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- פרעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- פרעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ובלעדיך: PREP+SUFF,2,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- ירים: VERB,qal,yiqtol,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ידו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- רגלו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+SUFF,3,m
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 41:40-41 (verbal): Immediate context: Pharaoh appoints Joseph over his house and nation, saying only the throne is greater — closely parallels the language of exclusive delegated authority in 41:44.
- Genesis 47:6 (verbal): Pharaoh again places Joseph over all the land of Egypt and limits his own superiority to the throne — a repeat of the same administrative sanction and wording.
- Psalm 105:20-22 (allusion): The psalm recounts Joseph’s elevation and the king’s release and promotion of him, retelling the same story of a foreigner exalted to rule in Egypt.
- Daniel 2:48 (thematic): A foreign advisor (Daniel) is promoted by the king to rule over the province—parallel theme of a non‑native elevated to high administrative authority by royal decree.
- Exodus 7:1 (thematic): God appoints Moses as his representative to Pharaoh ('I have made you like God to Pharaoh'), reflecting the theme of delegated authority and an appointed spokesman/administrator acting with sovereign backing.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Pharaoh said to Joseph, I am Pharaoh; and without you no man shall lift his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt.
- And Pharaoh said to Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without you no man shall lift his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt.
Gen.41.45 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- פרעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שם: ADV
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צפנת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פענח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אסנת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- פוטי: NOUN,m,sg,const
- פרע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כהן: NOUN,m,sg,const
- אן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאשה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Daniel 1:6-7 (verbal): Like Joseph, Daniel and his companions are given new Babylonian names by the court official—a renaming that signals assimilation into the royal administration and a new identity in the foreign court.
- Genesis 41:41-44 (structural): Immediate context: Pharaoh elevates Joseph to chief authority over Egypt (vests, signet, chariot, authority), which explains the grant of an Egyptian name, a wife, and rule 'over the land of Egypt' in v.45.
- Daniel 2:48 (thematic): Nebuchadnezzar promotes Daniel to a high administrative position after interpreting the king’s dream, paralleling Pharaoh’s elevation of Joseph to govern Egypt following his interpretation of dreams.
- Genesis 32:28 (verbal): God (or a divine messenger) renames Jacob 'Israel'—a motif of renaming that confers new identity and destiny; Joseph’s Egyptian name similarly marks a transformed public identity and role.
- Matthew 16:18 (thematic): Jesus gives Simon the new name 'Peter' to indicate a new role and authority (rock); parallels the biblical motif where bestowing a new name signals commissioning into a new office or destiny, as with Joseph.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-paneah, and he gave him Asenath, daughter of Poti-pherah, priest of On, as a wife; and Joseph went out over the land of Egypt.
- And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-paneah, and he gave him Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, as a wife; and Joseph went out over the land of Egypt.
Gen.41.46 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בעמדו: PREP+PART,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- פרעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלפני: PREP
- פרעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויעבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Gen.41:41-44 (structural): Immediate context: Pharaoh appoints Joseph over all Egypt—these verses explain the appointment that verse 41–44 describes, which verse 41:46 summarizes by noting his age and his movement throughout the land.
- 2 Sam.5:4 (verbal): David is thirty years old when he begins to reign—parallels the motif of 'thirty years' as the age at which a major public office or leadership role begins.
- Num.4:3 (thematic): Levites begin certain official temple duties at thirty—connects the age thirty with eligibility for formal public/ritual service.
- Dan.2:48 (thematic): Nebuchadnezzar elevates Daniel to high office 'over the whole kingdom'—a thematic parallel of a foreigner promoted to authority across a land/kingdom by the ruler.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt; and Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and passed through all the land of Egypt.
- And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt; and Joseph went out from before Pharaoh and passed through all the land of Egypt.
Gen.41.47 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותעש: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- בשבע: PREP
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- השבע: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לקמצים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Gen.41:49 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: describes how Joseph gathered the great yield (’as the sand of the sea’), amplifying the image of the land’s abundant production during the years of plenty.
- Gen.47:13-14 (thematic): Shows the consequence of the stored abundance—when famine comes Joseph dispenses the stored grain; links the land’s production in the years of plenty to later provision and distribution.
- Deut.28:11-12 (thematic): Covenantal promise that the LORD will cause the land and its produce to flourish and provide abundant grain and goods — similar theme of the land yielding plentifully as a divine blessing.
- Ps.65:9-13 (thematic): Poetic depiction of God visiting and enriching the earth so that it yields its increase and bears abundant grain and wine, echoing the imagery of the land producing plentifully.
- Isa.30:23 (thematic): Prophetic promise that God will give rain for the seed and make the threshing and the vintage abundant — comparable language about productive land and plentiful harvests.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the land produced during the seven years of abundance by handfuls.
- And the land produced in the seven years of abundance by handfuls.
Gen.41.48 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקבץ: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שבע: NUM,card
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- היו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בערים: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שדה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- סביבתיה: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,fs
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בתוכה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,fs
Parallels
- Genesis 41:49 (verbal): Direct continuation of the same episode — Joseph accumulates and stores a vast quantity of grain (same vocabulary and action).
- Genesis 41:56-57 (structural): Narrative consequence: the seven-year famine ensues and people from all lands come to Egypt to buy grain Joseph stored, showing the purpose/result of the storages in 41:48.
- Genesis 47:13-20 (thematic): During the famine Joseph sells the stored grain to Egyptians and others, leading to transfer of money, livestock and land to Pharaoh — shows the social and economic effects of the stored provisions.
- Proverbs 6:6-8 (thematic): The image of the ant gathering and storing food in summer as wise preparation for scarcity parallels Joseph’s prudent collection and preservation of grain in years of plenty.
- 2 Chronicles 8:1-2 (thematic): Solomon’s construction of store cities and gathering of provisions for the people echoes the institutional storage of food for a nation exemplified in Joseph’s program.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he gathered all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and he put the food in the cities; the food of the field of each city that was around it he put within it.
- And he gathered all the food of the seven years that were in the land of Egypt, and he put the food in the cities; the food of the field of each city that was around it he put within it.
Gen.41.49 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצבר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בר: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כחול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הים: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- הרבה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מאד: ADV
- עד: PREP
- כי: CONJ
- חדל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לספר: VERB,qal,inf
- כי: CONJ
- אין: PART,neg
- מספר: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 32:12 (verbal): Jacob cites the promise that his offspring will be 'as the sand of the sea' and explicitly says they 'cannot be numbered,' closely echoing the language of multitude and uncountability.
- Genesis 22:17 (thematic): God's promise to Abraham uses the simile of the 'sand of the seashore' (and stars) to denote an uncountable multitude—same image of innumerable abundance.
- Genesis 26:4 (verbal): A parallel repetition of the Abrahamic promise: descendants compared to 'the sand of the sea'—reinforces the biblical motif of sand as boundless quantity.
- 1 Kings 4:20 (thematic): A royal/collective description: 'Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand by the sea,' using the same sand-of-the-sea image to convey great multitude.
- Genesis 41:48 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel within the same chapter describing Joseph's systematic gathering and storage of grain—provides the direct literary context for verse 41:49's statement about abundance and uncountability.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joseph heaped up grain like the sand of the sea, very much, until he ceased counting, for it was without number.
- And Joseph heaped up grain like the sand of the sea, very much, until he ceased to count, for it was without number.
Gen.41.50 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וליוסף: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ילד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- בנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בטרם: PREP
- תבוא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- שנת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- הרעב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ילדה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אסנת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- פוטי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פרע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כהן: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- און: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 41:45 (structural): Pharaoh gives Joseph Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, as a wife — the immediate narrative act that makes Asenath Joseph's consort, which verse 41:50 assumes.
- Genesis 41:51–52 (verbal): The very next verses name Joseph's two sons (Manasseh and Ephraim) and give the etymologies of their names, directly continuing the information introduced in 41:50.
- Genesis 46:20 (allusion): In the patriarchal list of those who went to Egypt, Joseph’s two sons (Manasseh and Ephraim) are enumerated among Israel’s family, confirming their place in Israel’s genealogy.
- Genesis 48:3–5 (thematic): Jacob adopts and blesses Ephraim and Manasseh as sons (giving them tribal standing alongside Jacob’s other sons), which interprets and extends the significance of Joseph’s Egyptian-born sons.
- Joshua 17:2–6 (thematic): Discussion of the inheritance and territorial allotment of Ephraim and Manasseh (Joseph’s sons) within the land of Canaan — later tribal consequences of the births recorded in Genesis 41:50.
Alternative generated candidates
- And to Joseph were born two sons before the year of the famine came, whom Asenath, daughter of Poti-pherah, priest of On, bore to him.
- And to Joseph two sons were born before the year of famine came—whom Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him.
Gen.41.51 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- שם: ADV
- הבכור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- נשני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg,suff:1cs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- עמלי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,suff:1cs
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- Gen.41.52 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same narrative: Joseph names his second son Ephraim and gives an explanatory theophoric rationale, forming a paired naming pattern (Manasseh = 'God has made me forget…'; Ephraim = 'God has made me fruitful…').
- Gen.30.23-24 (verbal): Rachel names her son Joseph and gives a reason tied to God's action ('May the LORD add to me another son'), echoing the formula 'called his name' and explanatory naming grounded in divine intervention.
- Gen.21.3-6 (thematic): Abraham and Sarah name Isaac with an explicit comment about God's action ('God has made me laugh'), paralleling the motif of naming a child with an accompanying statement that attributes the circumstance to God.
- 1 Sam.1.20 (thematic): Hannah names her son Samuel and explains the name by reference to God's answering her prayer ('Because I asked the LORD for him'), another instance where a child's name is given with an explicit theological rationale.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh, For God has made me forget all my toil and all my father’s house.
- And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh, for God has made me forget all my toil and all my father’s house.
Gen.41.52 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- שם: ADV
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- קרא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- הפרני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- עניי: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss,1,sg
Parallels
- Gen.41.51 (structural): The immediately preceding verse records the paired naming of Manasseh using the same naming formula (God's action in Joseph's circumstances), forming a structural pair with Ephraim's naming.
- Gen.47.27 (thematic): Reports that Israel lived in Egypt (Goshen) and 'were fruitful and increased greatly,' echoing Ephraim's name meaning and the theme of fruitfulness in the foreign land.
- Gen.48:15-20 (allusion): Jacob's blessing and final words about Ephraim (and Manasseh) recall and interpret the name Ephraim and its connotations of fruitfulness and future prominence.
- Exod.1:7 (thematic): States that the Israelites 'were fruitful and increased abundantly' in Egypt, paralleling the motif of divine fruitfulness in the land of affliction expressed in Ephraim's name.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the name of the second he called Ephraim, For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.
- And the name of the second he called Ephraim, for God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.
Gen.41.53 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותכלינה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,pl
- שבע: NUM,card
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- השבע: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Gen.41.27-30 (verbal): Pharaoh's dreams as interpreted by Joseph predict seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine — the prophecy that the verse marks as having reached its end.
- Gen.41.47-49 (thematic): Describes Joseph's actions during the seven years of plenty, storing up grain in the cities and storehouses so Egypt would be prepared when the years of plenty ended.
- Gen.41.54 (structural): Immediate continuation: states that the seven years of plenty ended and the famine began, directly following and completing the event reported in 41:53.
- Gen.47.13-14 (thematic): Reports the effects of the famine in Egypt—Joseph selling the stored grain to the people and collecting money—showing the practical consequences of the end of the years of plenty.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the seven years of abundance which had been in the land of Egypt came to an end.
- And the seven years of abundance that were in the land of Egypt came to an end.
Gen.41.54 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותחלינה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- שבע: NUM,card
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- הרעב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לבוא: VERB,qal,inf
- כאשר: CONJ
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- רעב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הארצות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- ובכל: CONJ+PREP
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.41:25-36 (verbal): Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and his plan to store grain during seven years of plenty — the immediate cause and preparation that make the beginning of the seven years of famine in 41:54 possible.
- Gen.41:29-30 (quotation): Pharaoh's dream image of seven fat and seven lean years; the explicit prophecy of seven years of famine that 41:54 reports has begun.
- Gen.41:56-57 (verbal): Describes the aftermath of the famine: peoples from surrounding lands came to Egypt to buy grain — directly parallels 41:54's contrast between worldwide famine and Egypt's supply of bread.
- Gen.47:13-26 (thematic): Records the economic effects of the famine (exhaustion of money and livestock, sale of land and people to Pharaoh) and Joseph's administrative role in distributing grain — a continued consequence of the seven years of famine noted in 41:54.
- Ps.105:16-22 (allusion): A poetic retelling of the famine and Joseph's rise — 'He called a famine on the land... he sent a man before them, Joseph' — echoing the narrative that the seven years of famine came and Egypt preserved grain.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said; and there was famine in all the lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
- And the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said; and there was famine in all the lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
Gen.41.55 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותרעב: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- כל: DET
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ויצעק: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- פרעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ללחם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- פרעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לכל: PREP
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לכו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יאמר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- תעשו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
Parallels
- Gen.41:56–57 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: the famine drives Egyptians to Joseph’s storehouses and they buy grain from him after Pharaoh directs them to Joseph.
- Gen.47:13–21 (thematic): Later stage of the same famine narrative — no bread in the land, people buy grain from Joseph and ultimately sell their livestock, land and themselves to Pharaoh, showing the economic consequences of relying on Joseph for food.
- Gen.45:5–8 (thematic): Joseph explains that God sent him ahead to preserve life during the famine; this provides the theological rationale for Joseph’s provisioning role referred to in 41:55.
- Ruth 1:1–2; 2:2 (thematic): Another biblical famine motif: a family uprooted by famine (Ruth/Naomi) and later survival through provision of grain (Boaz), paralleling themes of scarcity and seeking provision.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all the land of Egypt grew hungry, and the people cried to Pharaoh for bread; and Pharaoh said to all Egypt, Go to Joseph; what he says to you, do.
- And all the land of Egypt became famished, and the people cried to Pharaoh for bread; and Pharaoh said to all Egypt, Go to Joseph; what he says to you, do.
Gen.41.56 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והרעב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויפתח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- וישבר: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- למצרים: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,pl
- ויחזק: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הרעב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Gen.41:57 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: peoples from all lands came to Egypt to buy grain because of the widespread famine described in 41:56.
- Gen.42:1 (thematic): Jacob and his family learn there is grain in Egypt and send his sons there—shows the famine's effect in driving Canaanites to Egypt.
- Gen.47:13-20 (verbal): Joseph's management of the famine is developed here: selling grain, collecting money, and later livestock/land—direct continuation and expansion of the actions begun in 41:56.
- Gen.45:7-8 (thematic): Joseph interprets the famine as part of God's providential plan to preserve life and to position him in Egypt, linking the famine to his opening of stores.
- Ruth 1:1 (thematic): Another biblical instance where famine causes migration and social disruption—parallels the wider motif of famine forcing movement (here, Naomi's family) like the movement to Egypt in Genesis.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the famine was over all the face of the earth; and Joseph opened all the storehouses, and he sold to the Egyptians; and the famine was severe in the land of Egypt.
- And the famine was over all the face of the earth; and Joseph opened all that was stored in them and sold to the Egyptians; and the famine grew severe in the land of Egypt.
Gen.41.57 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מצרימה: NOUN,prop,pl,m,abs
- לשבר: VERB,qal,inf
- אל: NEG
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- חזק: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- הרעב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Genesis 42:1-3 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation — Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to buy grain because of the widespread famine described in 41:57.
- Genesis 47:13-20 (thematic): Later account of the same famine and Joseph’s management of grain sales in Egypt, including the nation-wide scarcity and economic effects on surrounding peoples.
- Psalm 105:16-22 (allusion): Poetic retelling of Joseph’s rise and Egypt’s role in preserving grain; recalls the opening of storehouses and nations coming because of famine.
- Ruth 1:1-2 (thematic): Another biblical instance where severe famine causes families to migrate to foreign lands (Elimelech’s family to Moab), echoing the motif of famine-driven movement.
- Acts 7:13-14 (allusion): Stephen’s summary of Israel’s history recounts the famine that led Jacob’s family to Egypt, echoing the Genesis account of peoples seeking grain in Egypt.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all the earth came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, for the famine was severe in all the earth.
- And all the earth came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, for the famine was severe in all the earth.
And Pharaoh said to Joseph, See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.
Then Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; he clothed him in garments of fine linen and placed a gold chain about his neck.
He had him ride in the second chariot that was his; and they called before him, ‘Bow the knee!’ And he placed him over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without you no man shall lift his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-paneah, and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, as wife; and Joseph went out over the land of Egypt. And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and Joseph went out from before Pharaoh and passed through all the land of Egypt. And the land produced during the seven years of abundance by handfuls. And he gathered all the food of the seven years that were in the land of Egypt, and he put the food in the cities; the food of the field of the city that was around it he put within it. And Joseph piled up grain like the sand of the sea, very much, until he ceased counting, for it was without number. And to Joseph were born two sons before the year of the famine came, whom Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him. And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh, For God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house. And the name of the second he called Ephraim, For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction. And the seven years of abundance that were in the land of Egypt were finished. And the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said; and there was famine in all the lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. And all the land of Egypt was famished, and the people cried to Pharaoh for bread; and Pharaoh said to all Egypt, Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, do. And the famine was over all the face of the earth; and Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, and the famine grew strong in the land of Egypt. And all the earth came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, for the famine was strong in all the earth.